Inventions & Breakthroughs of July 1987
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Digital Camera Sensor Improvements
2 
Portable Cellular Phone
3 
Computer-Aided Surgery Systems
4 
Compact Flash Memory Concept
5 
Desktop Publishing Software (PageMaker)
6 
Medical Ultrasound Doppler Imaging
7 
Network File Sharing Protocols
8 
Automated Warehouse Robotics
9 
Digital Music Compact Disc Production
10 
Space Station Module Concepts
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON July 17, 1987
Full News Archive
- Headline: La Gran Fiesta: A 1942 Puerto Rican Ball. Impact: The intrigue of this Puerto Rican ball caused a time loop where every subsequent party needed a dramatic twist, leading to the invention of reality TV. Thanks, 'La Gran Fiesta', for turning social gatherings into ratings wars.. Fact: Did you know that the ball ended up being so dramatic that it inspired countless soap operas? That's right, the next time you roll your eyes at a plot twist, thank a 1942 Puerto Rican ball..
- Headline: Exploring 'Robocop': A Sci-Fi Police Drama. Impact: Robocop's creation heralded the rise of the 'cyber cop' trope in media, eventually leading to the real-life integration of AI in law enforcement. Because who doesn't want a robot deciding if you deserve a traffic ticket?. Fact: Did you know that Robocop was so popular it almost became a motivational speaker? Just imagine: 'Stay alert, stay alive, and also, please don't commit crimes.'.
- Headline: Exploring 'Ping Pong': A Legal Drama. Impact: This seemingly innocuous film about a lawyer executing a will sparked a sudden interest in ping pong, leading to a national obsession with the sport. The butterfly effect got a little too competitive, if you ask me.. Fact: Did you know that 'Ping Pong' was almost titled 'Lawyers: The Sport'? Because nothing screams adrenaline like watching lawyers discuss wills and estates..
- Headline: Film: 'Eat the Peach,' Motorcyclists' Whimsy. Impact: The whimsical nature of this film inspired a generation of motorcyclists to chase their dreams, leading to a massive increase in motorcycle accidents. Because who wouldn't want to live life dangerously?. Fact: Did you know that 'Eat the Peach' was almost a cooking show? But then someone realized that motorcyclists aren't known for their culinary skills..
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1987, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1987
$0.14
2025 dataset value
$1,945,817
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1987, it would be worth $1,945,817 today (1945.8x return)
Rank #2
MSFT
Microsoft
Price in 1987
$0.10
2025 dataset value
$4,778,667
Microsoft - If you invested $1,000 in 1987, it would be worth $4,778,667 today (4778.7x return)
Rank #3
INTC
Intel
Price in 1987
$0.25
2025 dataset value
$146,978
Intel - If you invested $1,000 in 1987, it would be worth $146,978 today (147.0x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #4
$150
Watchmen #12
$150
Daredevil #227
$500
X-Men #221
$125
Justice League #1
$1,500
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Teddy Ruxpin
$300.00
Koosh Ball
$75.00
Nerf Football
$900.00
Jenga
$300.00
Pound Puppies
$75.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
The Legend of Zelda
$500.00
Final Fantasy
$150.00
Metal Gear
$299.99
Street Fighter
$185.00
Contra
$200.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
1987 Fleer Michael Jordan #59
$18,100.00
1987 Topps Barry Bonds #320
$1,200
1987 Donruss Greg Maddux Rated Rookie #36
$300
1987 Topps Tiffany Bo Jackson #170
$170
1987 Panini Soccer Diego Maradona #82
$250,000